COMMODITY QUALITY OF GREENHOUSE CUCUMBERS DEPENDING ON THE STORAGE METHOD

Abstract

The article presents the results of studies on the influence of different post-harvest storage methods of greenhouse cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) on their market and consumer quality. It was established that cucumbers are among the most sensitive vegetable crops to storage conditions, as they rapidly lose turgor, intense green color, juiciness, and a significant portion of nutrients within the first few days after harvest. These changes directly affect their attractiveness to consumers and commercial value. The article analyzes the effectiveness of several cucumber storage methods: in polymer boxes, boxes with polyethylene liners, and in sealed and unsealed polyethylene bags (30–40 cm) with varying film thicknesses (30–80 μm). The results indicate that greenhouse cucumbers retain their commercial and nutritional qualities for 10 days under all tested storage conditions. The storage duration can reach up to 15 days at temperatures of 8–10 to 18–20°C, and up to 20 days at 12–14°C and 15–16°C. The most optimal method was found to be sealed packaging with a 30 μm film at 12–14°C, which ensured 93–96% fruit preservation after 20 days with minimal losses of biologically active substances. Conversely, storage in thicker films (60–80 μm) led to excessive CO₂ accumulation, causing complete loss of commercial appearance. It was shown that different hybrids responded differently to storage conditions: the Lenara F1 hybrid maintained quality best in sealed bags, while Prestige F1 and Herman F1 hybrids were more suitable for unsealed packaging. When stored in boxes with polyethylene liners, total losses did not exceed 20%, although organoleptic characteristics significantly deteriorated. In open boxes, the fruits quickly lost standard appearance, reducing their market appeal. Thus, the implementation of effective cucumber storage technologies is a key factor in reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing the market competitiveness of greenhouse cucumbers, and ensuring a stable supply of high-quality vegetables to consumers.